While it's true that some people are born with a creative mind, it doesn't mean that creative thinking can't be learned and developed. You may even believe that you don't have a creative bone in your body, but this simply isn't true. If you weren't capable of some type of creative thinking, you'd be a robot! Believing In Yourself The first step toward creative thinking is the belief that you can acquire and develop the skill. The truth is that, if you continue to set up a mental roadblock and tell yourself that you can't think creatively, you'll never get past this first step. When you truly believe in yourself, you also open up doors. The possibilities are endless just because you decided to give creative thinking a shot. Developing Creativity In order to foster creativity in your life, start thinking about where you want to apply your newfound creativity. It'll help, at least at first, to have a specific goal instead of the broad goal of just "thinking" creatively overall. You might start with discovering better solutions to common problems at the office, or you might want to broaden your horizons with an artistic goal in your free time. No matter what your goal is, try applying some of these creativity boosting tips: 1. Spend time brainstorming. When looking for ideas for a project - or solutions to a challenge - write down everything that comes to mind without holding back. Don't worry about logistics or staying organized; just let your mind go free. • Another form of brainstorming that might be worth a try is free writing: just pick up a pen and let your mind go wild on the topic of your choice. Tell yourself that you can't pause or put the pen down; you must keep writing. You'll be surprised at what you can unload from your brain during a free writing session! 2. Change your surroundings. You may have noticed that your patterns of thinking change when you're in different places. If you find that your mind is stuck, try changing your environment. Go out for some fresh air or hang out in a coffee shop. It may be just what you need in order to discover a new and exciting idea. 3. Take notes. Always carry some kind of note taking device with you, whether it's paper or a mobile device. Record your ideas as they come to you, no matter where you are at the time. Creative thoughts can come and go, but if you write them down you won't forget them. 4. Research your topics. Even though it may seem boring, you can do some research online. When you do, you'll learn that knowledge is power and it'll enable your brain to get to a place it wouldn't normally have gone. • Enjoy the journey and always follow your love of learning. Research will always provide you with new angles of thought. Consider Other Perspectives While everyone comes with their own unique set of abilities and opinions, when you develop your creativity, you learn how to come up with new ideas and solve problems from different points of view. No matter what challenge you're faced with, spend time considering the perspective of others. While you might not share the opinion of another, see if you can figure out how or why they have that view. Think about how they feel. Developing this empathy will keep your mind open, which will always foster creativity. When you get into the habit of using these tips often, you'll be pleased to see outbursts of creativity!
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Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash As we navigate what is considered a "new normal", our ability to move forward with our creative practice is imperative for our well-being. In addition ito other daily activities, a morning pages or journaling practice is one way to stay centered and connect to our creative muse.
The phrase "morning pages" was made popular by Julia Cameron, the best-selling author of the book The Artist's Way in the early 90s. Morning pages are a stream-of-consciousness longhand journaling which is done first thing every morning on a daily basis. The idea is use the writing to as a mind "dump" of any thoughts that come out of your head as a way to start your day on a clean slate. Julia Cameron, created this approach to journaling as a way for people to spark their creativity and move past their creative blocks. "Writing in a journal is an act of self-expression that is done periodically to record feelings and inspire ideas. Morning pages serve a deeper purpose. This type of journaling is a cathartic, ritualistic writing process that clears your mind, builds confidence, and creates a path for greater creativity."-Masterclass.com Whether you choose to write the morning pages or some kind of daily journaling practice, there are four benefits for maintaining this kind of ritual:. 1. A daily writing practice helps you to clear your mind. 2. sA daily writing practice helps you to process emotion. 3. A daily writing practice can help you spark your creativity. 4. A daily writing practice can help silence your inner critic. Want to start a daily morning pages or journaling practice but not sure how to start? Or do you have a daily practice but not sure how it can unleash your creativity? During these uncertain times, we need to thilnk through strategies to not only encourage and support our creative practice but also for mental and emotional support. A creative community can be the answer for both.
I define a creative community as more than just a creative membership organization, (which it can be), but a group of artists, writers, or other creative people who may meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas, provide critique of work (if appropriate), share new work or ideas, socialize, celebrate wins and well create a sense of community. It may be organic as a group of friends or a writing pod or more formal like a membership organization. They may meet in person or online. They may be as many as three people or as large as hundreds or thousands. They may be formed around a specific creative practice or may include people with multiple passions and interests. They may be formal or informal, but they serve as resource and support to members and their creativityi. With life being more intense than ever, a creative community has many advantages to creative people...here's a few:
Are you a member of a creative community? If not, have you considered forming one? |
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